Onsite Laboratory Services - Brochure

Onsite Laboratory ServicesT H E R I G H T A N S W E R S , T H E F I R S T T I M EOnsite Labs Aren’t Just for Screening AnymoreStone Environmental, Inc. generates, manages, andpresents fully defensible analytical chemistry dataonsite, offering the subsurface investigation and reme-diation community a timely and extremely reliableproduct.Our services are essential for today’s expedited sitecharacterization methods (most notably the Triadapproach) that streamline site investigations and reme-dial decision making. These methods employ dynamicwork plans and real-time analytical data to ensure thatthe right decisions are made in the field and that a com-prehensive understanding of the site is gained duringthe investigation.Our onsite labs are NELAC accredited and offer the following:High-quality, defensible dataLow detection limits that meet project objectivesRapid turnaround timesHigh sample throughputMass spectrometer compound identificationMembrane Interface Probe (MIP) analysesIn addition to our mobile laboratory trailers, we canestablish long-term onsite labs to meet client needsduring large-scale remediation projects.Solid Phase Microextraction: A Technological AdvancementSolid Phase Microextraction (SPME) allows us to pro-vide an unmatched combination of quality, speed, andeconomy to our clients. SPME is a relatively new sam-ple concentration technique for air, water, and soilmatrices. We use both available SPME configurations—headspace and immersion—in our labs depending onthe volatility of the compounds of interest. SPMErequires no solvents and is performed using fast, inex-pensive, and easy-to-use equipment that is designed forfield applications. A typical sample extraction usingSPME for chlorinated solvents and petroleum-relatedcompounds takes us only 6 minutes. As a result, ourlabs not only offer faster turnaround times, they haveless downtime than onsite labs using more complicatedextraction systems, such as Purge and Trap.Our onsite labs bring high-quality, cost-effective laboratory capability to your site to support critical decision making.In 15 minutes or less, our clients have access to the data they need, so they can make immediate field decisions to expedite their investigations.SPME Outperforms Other Extraction TechniquesPurge and Trap Heated Headspace SPMEStartup costs1 $10,000–$20,000 $1,000–$3,000 $1,000Field sample throughput 20 samples 20 samples >50 samplesper 10-hour day2Cost per sample $60 $60 $20Detection limits Single ppb Tens of ppb Single ppbPrecision and accuracy3 Adequate Adequate ExcellentMaintenance requirements Extensive Moderate Minimal 1 Assumes two full setups for SPME, one 16-portpurge and trap unit, and one temperature-controlled water bath and circulator for heatedheadspace. 2 Throughput in addition to 20% QA/QC runs.3 “. . . according to the statistics for comparison of an alternative method to a reference method,the accuracy of the two SPME approaches wassignificantly better than that of P&T and HS[heated headspace] in a number of cases, espe-cially for HS-SPME . . . .” (T. Nilsson, R. Ferrari,and S. Facchetti. Analytica Chimica Acta, 356[1997], 113-123.)Typical Onsite Lab Analytical Sequence and Timeline:Maximized Throughput, Minimized TurnaroundWe coordinate with our clients to provide the mostsuitable analytical techniques to meet project objectivesbased on the compounds present and the detectionlimits required. For VOC and SVOC analyses, we combine gas chromatography with:MSFIDPIDECDWe also offer spectrophotometric and ion-selectiveelectrode analyses of groundwater samples for metalsand inorganic ions associated with natural attenuation.Near-Real-Time Data for a Fraction of the CostA dynamic field investigation is only as fast as its slow-est component. In addition to the shortened extractiontimes of SPME, our chromatographic system uses dualcomponents—two injectors, 10-meter narrow-borecapillary columns, and detectors—configured in paral-lel to double the sample throughput normally achievedwith a GC.We can analyze two samples for chlorinated solventsand BTEX compounds simultaneously in less than 15 minutes. With a throughput of as many as 50 sam-ples per instrument per 10-hour day, we provide moredata—faster—than other onsite labs.Defensible and Accurate Data: VOCs, SVOCs, and InorganicsStone’s onsite laboratory is capable of analyzing allVOCs and SVOCs included on EPA’s 8260 and 8270target analyte lists. Our QA/QC program strictlyadheres to EPA SW846 800 Series QA/QC guidelines,ensuring results that are as accurate, precise, and defensible as those of fixed labs.SPME equipment is extremely user friendly and requires very little space. As shown in this photo, a single bench top (2’x 6’)accommodates 5 simultaneous sample extractions.Our onsite laboratories handle a full suite of analytes faster and for a fraction of the cost—but just as accurately—as a traditionalfixed lab. Our near-real-time data helps the field team modify the sampling plan to home in on the contaminant plume more quickly.Performance EvaluationIn Tom’s River, New Jersey, we collected and analyzedover 500 groundwater samples as part of a large siteinvestigation. Approximately 25% of the samplesunderwent confirmation analyses by conventionalGC/MS fixed-lab techniques. The predominant con-taminant at the site was chlorobenzene, and as shownon the next page, the correlation between the fixed laband our field lab was outstanding. One standard meas-ure of the accuracy of a new technique is the RelativePercent Difference (RPD) between that technique andan established, standard technique. EPA acceptance cri-terion for RPD is 30%. We achieved an average of 22%.A second measure is the correlation coefficient valuesfor the two analyses. The weighted average of 0.96clearly demonstrates the reliability of our onsite labo-ratories. A third accepted measure is a paired t-test.The results of this test determined that there is no difference between our data and those of a fixed lab.Project ExperienceWe have been helping clients with investigation andremediation projects at sites with DNAPLs, petroleumreleases, metals, biomarkers, and PCBs for the last 10 Phone / 802.229.4541Fax / 802.229.5417Web Site / www.stone-env.com535 Stone Cutters WayMontpelier, Vermont05602 USARapid in-field speciation and quantitation of inorganic biomarkerssupports natural attenuation investigations and remedies, and helpsto determine the fate and transport of a range of contaminants.By any measure, our onsite lab data are as valid as those of any fixed lab.years. We’ve analyzed the usual suspects and identifiedunexpected compounds with our mass spectrometer.We’ve worked extensively in the northeast, and mobi-lized our labs for projects in the south and midwest.We have the capacity and data management tools tosupport large, multi-year projects (we just finished ana-lyzing our ten-thousandth sample at a large remedia-tion site in New York) and can deploy quickly forsmaller, short-term engagements.Comparison of Onsite vs. Fixed-Lab Data